Bodywork - Page Seven
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I've decided to jump on the frame, both the front end and rear end. I'm happy with
the progress on the cab, and it can sit for a while, until I get back to it. I did build a
stand with wheels for it, though, so it's easier to get to and move around the shop.
Everything on the front end has been replaced with new - new king pins and bushings,
new Pitman arm, new drag link innards, new brake shoes, brake hardware, wheel cylinders,
and the drums turned. New tie rod and tie rod ends. The leaf springs have all new bolts in
the clamps, new pins and bushings in the eyes and in the frame. I even went so far as
to replace all the Zerk fittings.
Before:
After:
I had bought a master cylinder, when I first started this project, but now that I am ready
for it, found out it's the wrong one. It's for an F-1, so if anybody wants a good deal on
one...I will be rebuilding mine. I put in new brake lines. The pivot pin for the clutch and
brake pedals, and the bushings were shot. Up until several months ago, the pin was available,
but they aren't currently. Fortunately, one of the Ford Truck Enthusiast members, has a
small machine shop, and made me one from the specs I sent him. Outstanding job, and
works like a champ! If anyone needs one, he'll make you one, very reasonable. Nice to have friends!
Finally, the front wheels are on the ground! I haven't done anything with the rims, yet, but plan to sandblast them, and possibly powdercoat them. I finally got an oven, to do my own powdercoating, but have to wait until I get a gun.
I tore into the rear springs next - not a lot of fun, but necessary. Ford had a great idea,
the shackle pins are driven out from inside the frame, and Ford put holes in the frame.
On the back shackle pins, it's not a problem, but on the front, they put a cross member
directly in front of the hole! After mulling it over, I ended up taking a piece of rod, and
with a 1/8" NPT die, threaded about 1/2" of the end. Then I screwed it into the NPT for
the Zerk, used a couple sets of vice grips and a hammer, and beat it out. Worked great,
although a big slide hammer, set up with 1/8" NPT, would probably work even better,
but I just used what I had on hand.
With the springs off, I will be taking them apart, inspecting them, and go through the rear
end. Hopefully, it won't need parts, with the exception of gaskets and bearings. If it needs
ring and pinion, I will be looking to replace it - otherwise, I will probably drop a few springs,
have them re-arced, round the ends and put the liners between them. New u-bolts, of course.
My truck had auxiliary helper springs, from a 1-ton or larger truck on it - don't know why -
but they will be removed. New pins and new bushings are in order, also.
Well, the shop is now a disgusting mess, so I'm going to spend a day cleaning it up, and
possibly painting a few small parts, then get back to the serious work. So...
Until next time...
You can email me by clicking on the truck:
